Description
The Stiga Tornado 398 Lawn Tractor – 98 cm Hydrostatic Side-Discharge Garden Tractor for Rough and Large Lawns
The Stiga Tornado 398 lawn tractor is a powerful, hydrostatic, side-discharge ride-on mower designed for larger, rougher lawns where you do not need to collect clippings. With a 98 cm twin-blade cutting deck, 432 cc STIGA ST 450 engine and pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission, it is ideal for lawns and paddocks up to around 5,000 m² where fast, efficient cutting and simple controls matter more than collection.
Available from Masseys in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, the Tornado 398 sits within our dedicated
Stiga lawn tractor mowers range
and forms part of our broader
ride-on lawn tractors selection at Masseys.
If you want a robust, easy-to-drive side-discharge garden tractor with the option to mulch, the Stiga Tornado 398 is a strong candidate.
Key features of the Stiga Tornado 398 lawn tractor
- 432 cc STIGA ST 450 engine: Single-cylinder petrol engine with approx. 7.5 kW output at 2,800 rpm, giving ample power for larger areas.
- Pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission: Infinitely variable speed control – no gear changes, just smooth forward and reverse via the foot pedal.
- 98 cm twin-blade cutting deck: Wide, two-blade deck with 2 anti-scalp wheels to protect the turf on undulating ground.
- Side discharge as standard: Throws clippings out to the side in neat rows, ideal for longer grass, paddocks and rough lawns.
- Optional Multiclip mulching: Fit the STIGA mulching plug (optional) to finely chop clippings and recycle them back into the turf.
- Seven cutting heights: Lever-adjusted cutting heights from approx. 25–80 mm across 7 positions, allowing you to match the cut to conditions.
- Deck wash port: Built-in washing link for easy under-deck cleaning with a hose to maintain airflow and cutting performance.
- Robust chassis and front bumper: Strong steel frame and bumper for durability and added protection at the front of the tractor.
- Designed for areas up to approx. 5,000 m²: A very capable solution for larger domestic gardens and rougher grass areas.
Cutting performance, side discharge and mulching
The Stiga Tornado 398 lawn tractor is built around a 98 cm, twin-blade deck designed for strong throughput and reliable side discharge. Grass is cut and ejected through the side deflector, so you do not need to stop and empty a collector – perfect for:
- Rougher lawns, orchards and paddock-style areas.
- Properties where grass is often allowed to grow longer between cuts.
- Owners who do not want to deal with collecting and disposing of large volumes of clippings.
With the optional STIGA Multiclip mulching plug fitted, you can switch the Tornado 398 into mulching mode. In this setting, clippings are finely shredded and blown back into the turf, which can:
- Feed the lawn naturally by returning nutrients.
- Reduce the need for chemical fertilisers.
- Eliminate the need to dispose of clippings when mowing regularly.
The seven-step cutting height adjustment from 25–80 mm is controlled by a lever next to the seat, allowing you to raise the deck for first cuts or very long grass, then lower it for regular maintenance and a finer finish.
Hydrostatic drive, comfort and handling
One of the key advantages of the Stiga Tornado 398 lawn tractor over the Tornado 398 M is its pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission. Instead of selecting gears, you simply press the pedal to vary speed:
- Infinitely variable speed: Speed up or slow down instantly to suit different conditions without changing gear.
- Smoother operation: Particularly helpful when mowing around trees, borders and obstacles or working in confined areas.
- Rear-wheel drive: Good traction on typical domestic lawns and rougher grass, with wide rear tyres to spread the load.
Comfort and ease of use are further enhanced by:
- STIGA classic steering wheel with light steering effort.
- Comfortable STIGA seat with safety cut-out if the operator leaves the seat while the blades are engaged.
- Pivoting front axle (as per STIGA’s platform design) to help follow ground contours.
- LED headlights (model dependent) for improved visibility in low-light conditions.
Taken together, these features make the Tornado 398 a confident, easy-to-handle side-discharge tractor for regular use on larger grounds.
Is the Stiga Tornado 398 lawn tractor right for your garden?
Choose the Stiga Tornado 398 lawn tractor if you:
- Have a lawn, paddock or rough grass area of up to around 5,000 m².
- Do not need to collect clippings, and are happy to side-discharge or mulch them.
- Want a hydrostatic side-discharge tractor with more power and convenience than the manual-gearbox Tornado 398 M.
- Prefer a 98 cm deck that balances productivity with manoeuvrability.
If you want similar cutting width but prefer a manual gearbox and a slightly simpler specification, look at the
Stiga Tornado 398 M lawn tractor.
For larger or more demanding areas where you want even more capacity, consider stepping up to the
Stiga Tornado 5108 lawn tractor
(single-cylinder) or the
Stiga Tornado 5108 W twin-cylinder lawn tractor.
If you decide you would rather collect clippings, compare with rear-collect tractors such as the
Stiga Combi 372 lawn tractor
or the larger
Stiga Estate 598 W garden tractor.
Compare the Stiga Tornado 398 with other Stiga tractor mowers at Masseys
Masseys stocks a broad range of Stiga tractor mowers, so you can compare cutting systems, deck widths and transmissions:
- Stiga Tornado 398 M lawn tractor – 98 cm side-discharge tractor with mechanical 5 + 1 gearbox.
- Stiga Tornado 5108 lawn tractor – 108 cm side-discharge tractor for larger, tougher areas.
- Stiga Tornado 5108 W lawn tractor – 586 cc twin-cylinder engine and 108 cm deck for maximum output.
- Stiga Combi 372 hydrostatic lawn tractor – 72 cm rear-collect compact rider with collection/mulching.
- Stiga Estate 384 M lawn tractor – 84 cm rear-collect garden tractor with 200 L collector.
You can see these models together on our
Stiga lawn tractor mowers page
or browse all brands and deck sizes in the
lawn tractor mowers category at Masseys.
Technical specifications – Stiga Tornado 398 lawn tractor
- Brand: Stiga
- Model: Tornado 398 lawn tractor
- Engine brand: STIGA
- Engine model: ST 450 Powered by STIGA
- Displacement: 432 cm³
- Engine speed: approx. 2,800 rpm
- Net power output: approx. 7.5 kW @ 2,800 rpm
- Power source: Petrol, 4-stroke, air-cooled
- Fuel tank capacity: approx. 6 litres
- Battery: 12 V, 18 Ah (electric start)
- Recommended working area: up to approx. 5,000 m²
- Cutting width: 98 cm
- Cutting method: side discharge as standard
- Additional cutting method: Multiclip mulching (optional plug)
- Number of blades: 2, untimed rotation
- Cutting height range: approx. 25 – 80 mm
- Cutting height positions: 7, manual lever adjustment
- Deck wheels: 2 anti-scalp wheels
- Minimum uncut radius: 70 cm
- Transmission type: hydrostatic
- Transmission method: pedal-operated
- Traction: rear-wheel drive
- Blade engagement: electric (electromagnetic clutch)
- Deck wash port: yes (washing link)
- Front bumper: yes
For the latest manufacturer specifications and accessories, you can also view the
official Stiga Tornado 398 petrol garden tractor product page.
Why buy your Stiga Tornado 398 lawn tractor from Masseys?
Masseys is a family-run, independent business established in 1947 and based in Woodville, Swadlincote. Over many decades we have built strong experience in garden machinery, ride-on mowers and tractor mowers, supplying customers across Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Burton on Trent, Ashby, Coalville, Nottingham and the wider area.
- Specialist Stiga dealer: We keep a wide range of
Stiga lawn tractors in our showroom,
so you can compare the Tornado 398 with other Combi, Estate and Tornado models side by side. - Workshop-backed sales: Our
garden machinery servicing and repairs department
provides pre-delivery checks, annual servicing and warranty support using appropriate parts and lubricants. - Ready to Mow service: For a small additional charge, we assemble, fuel and oil the tractor, run it up and deliver it within our local area so it is ready to use on arrival.
- Local delivery options: Delivery is available across much of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and surrounding areas – please contact us for current coverage and pricing.
- Practical, honest advice: Our garden machinery team work with these tractors every day and can provide straightforward guidance based on real-world use rather than just brochure descriptions.
Choosing a Stiga Tornado 398 lawn tractor from Masseys means you benefit from expert advice, correct setup and long-term workshop support over the life of the machine.
FAQs – Stiga Tornado 398 lawn tractor
What size lawn is the Stiga Tornado 398 suitable for?
The Stiga Tornado 398 lawn tractor is designed for lawns and grass areas up to around 5,000 m², depending on how frequently you cut and how complex the layout is. For significantly larger areas, a wider-deck tractor such as the
Stiga Tornado 5108 lawn tractor
or
Stiga Tornado 5108 W lawn tractor
may be more efficient.
Does the Stiga Tornado 398 collect grass?
No. The Tornado 398 is a side-discharge garden tractor. It is designed to discharge clippings out of the side chute or to mulch them when fitted with the optional Multiclip plug. If you require collection, look at rear-collect models such as the
Stiga Combi 372 lawn tractor
or
Stiga Estate 384 M lawn tractor.
Can the Tornado 398 mulch clippings?
Yes. With the optional STIGA Multiclip mulching plug installed, the Tornado 398 finely chops clippings and returns them to the lawn. This is ideal when you are cutting regularly and want to avoid handling grass clippings while still feeding the turf naturally.
Is the transmission hydrostatic or manual?
The Stiga Tornado 398 lawn tractor features a pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission, giving you smooth, stepless speed control in both forward and reverse. If you prefer a fixed-gear, lever-operated transmission, the
Stiga Tornado 398 M lawn tractor
offers that configuration with the same 98 cm deck.
Will the Tornado 398 handle rough or longer grass?
Yes. The Tornado 398 is particularly well suited to rough turf, longer grass and less manicured areas where side discharge is acceptable. For very overgrown or uneven areas, it is still important to mow sensibly – for example, by raising the cutting height and reducing forward speed on the first pass.
What routine maintenance does the Tornado 398 require?
Routine care includes engine oil changes at the recommended intervals, keeping the cutting deck clean (using the wash port), checking and cleaning the air filter, ensuring the blades remain sharp and balanced and maintaining correct tyre pressures. Masseys’
servicing and machinery repairs department
can handle annual servicing and any repairs required to keep your tractor performing reliably.
Can Masseys deliver the Stiga Tornado 398 ready to use?
Yes. Within our local delivery area, we can supply the Stiga Tornado 398 lawn tractor fully assembled, pre-delivery inspected and fuelled, with the basic controls and safety points explained on arrival. This “Ready to Mow” service means you can begin using your new tractor with confidence straight away.
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